Three-phase distribution boards
Installation, replacement and alteration of commercial three-phase distribution boards where required by the project and existing electrical installation.
NICEIC Approved Contractor · 14+ years’ electrical experience
Three-Phase Electrical Installations & Distribution in East London
Commercial distribution, dedicated supplies and three-phase electrical work
ZJ Electrical Services carries out three-phase electrical installation and distribution work for commercial premises across East London.
From alterations to existing distribution systems and dedicated equipment supplies to new distribution boards, industrial socket outlets and commercial power upgrades, each installation is assessed around the existing supply, circuit requirements and intended equipment.
Three-phase power for commercial premises
Three-phase electrical systems are commonly used where premises have higher electrical demand, larger distribution requirements or equipment that cannot be adequately supplied from a typical single-phase arrangement.
Commercial kitchensWorkshopsRetail premisesOfficesRestaurants & hospitalityPlant & equipmentLandlords & managing agentsCommercial refurbishments
Three-phase electrical services
Dedicated equipment supplies
New electrical supplies for commercial equipment, machinery and fixed appliances, sized and protected for the intended load and installation conditions.
Three-phase socket outlets
Installation of suitable industrial socket outlets and associated circuits for commercial equipment where three-phase connection is required.
Submains & distribution
Commercial submain and distribution work between electrical intake positions, distribution boards and areas of the premises where additional capacity or local distribution is required.
Alterations & extensions
Changes to existing three-phase installations as premises, layouts or equipment requirements change.
Testing & certification
New and altered electrical work is inspected, tested and certified as appropriate to the work carried out.
Commercial distribution-board upgrades
Older or unsuitable distribution equipment can restrict future alterations, make additional circuits difficult or no longer suit the way a commercial premises is being used.
Where replacement or alteration is proposed, the existing supply, board arrangement, protective devices, available capacity and connected loads need to be assessed before work begins.
Existing installation
Review the existing board, supply arrangement and circuits.
Future capacity
Consider proposed equipment and likely future electrical requirements.
Protection
Select suitable protective devices for the circuits and installation.
Labelling & handover
Provide clear circuit identification and appropriate certification following completed work.
Dedicated supplies for commercial equipment
Commercial equipment often requires its own appropriately designed circuit rather than being connected to general socket circuits.
Suitable dedicated supplies may be required for:
- commercial catering equipment
- workshop machinery
- air-conditioning equipment where within electrical scope
- extraction equipment
- larger appliances
- plant
- specialist business equipment
- EV charging equipment
The electrical requirements must be confirmed from the equipment information, manufacturer data and site conditions before the circuit is designed and installed.
Three-phase industrial socket outlets
Industrial socket outlets can provide a practical connection point for suitable commercial equipment where a detachable three-phase supply is required.
The socket rating, protective device, cable size, earthing arrangement and equipment requirements must all be considered as part of the circuit design.
- 16A three-phase
- 32A three-phase
- Higher ratings where the installation and equipment require them
Single-phase or three-phase supply?
Single-phase
Typical use
Most homes and many smaller commercial loads.
Supply arrangement
One live phase and neutral.
Equipment
Standard sockets, lighting and many smaller appliances.
Distribution
Suitable for lower-demand installations.
Project decision
May be sufficient where electrical demand and equipment requirements are modest.
Three-phase
Typical use
Commercial premises, larger distribution systems and equipment with higher or three-phase power requirements.
Supply arrangement
Three live phases, with neutral where required by the system/load.
Equipment
Larger machinery, plant, commercial equipment and higher-capacity distribution.
Distribution
Allows loads to be distributed across phases and supports equipment specifically requiring three-phase power.
Project decision
May be required where equipment, electrical demand or distribution needs justify it.
The correct arrangement depends on the existing supply, connected loads and equipment requirements. Having three-phase available does not automatically mean every circuit or item of equipment should use it.
Assessing the existing electrical capacity
Before significant new three-phase loads are added, the existing electrical installation and available supply need to be considered.
Relevant information can include:
- existing supply arrangement
- service rating where known
- distribution-board capacity
- existing connected loads
- proposed equipment ratings
- diversity
- cable routes
- protective-device requirements
- earthing and bonding arrangements
Where increased incoming supply capacity or changes to the electricity network connection are required, these may involve the relevant Distribution Network Operator or electricity supplier and are separate from the electrical installation work within the premises.
Three-phase work during a commercial refurbishment
Three-phase distribution work is often carried out as part of a wider commercial refurbishment, particularly where new equipment, commercial kitchens, workshops or revised layouts require additional circuits or new distribution.
Where this forms part of a wider project, the electrical installation can be coordinated with the refurbishment programme and other trades. See our Commercial Electrical Fit-Outs & Refurbishments service.
Three-phase and distribution work in practice
Commercial distribution & containment
Electrical distribution and containment installed as part of commercial electrical alterations.
Example: commercial distribution upgrade
The requirement
Provide suitable electrical distribution for a commercial installation with multiple circuits and commercial electrical loads.
The electrical work
Commercial distribution equipment, protective devices and associated cabling installed as required by the project.
Installation considerations
Existing supply arrangements, circuit requirements, equipment loads and future accessibility needed to be considered before completing the installation.
Result
A clearly arranged commercial distribution system suitable for the agreed electrical scope.
Information that helps us quote three-phase work
Equipment details
Manufacturer information, electrical ratings and connection requirements.
Photos
Images of the existing intake, distribution boards and proposed installation area.
Existing supply
Any known information about the current single-phase or three-phase supply.
Location
Where the new circuit, socket, board or equipment will be installed.
Cable route
Expected distance and route between distribution equipment and the new load.
Programme
Required timescale and whether the work forms part of a larger refurbishment.
A site visit will normally be required for significant three-phase distribution or equipment-supply projects before a final quotation can be prepared.
Commercial electrical work from an experienced contractor
NICEIC Approved Contractor
Commercial electrical installation work carried out by an NICEIC Approved Contractor.
14+ years’ electrical experience
Experience across commercial distribution, containment, dedicated supplies, lighting and electrical alterations.
Project-focused approach
Existing supply, electrical loads, access, cable routes and other project requirements are reviewed before installation.
Three-phase electrical work across East London
Based in Leyton, ZJ Electrical Services carries out commercial three-phase and distribution work across East London and surrounding areas including Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Hackney, Wanstead, Highams Park and Woodford.
For larger projects, send the site location, photos and equipment information so the electrical scope can be reviewed.
Three-phase electrical FAQs
How do I know if my premises already has a three-phase supply?
The electrical intake and metering arrangement can usually be inspected to establish the existing supply. If you are unsure, we can review the installation as part of the initial assessment.
Can you install a new three-phase distribution board?
Yes, where suitable for the existing supply and project requirements. The proposed circuits, connected loads, available capacity and existing installation must be assessed before the board and protective devices are selected.
Can you install a three-phase socket for machinery?
Yes, where the machinery and electrical installation requirements support it. The equipment rating, socket type, circuit protection, cable size and existing supply all need to be considered.
Can you upgrade my building from single-phase to three-phase?
Changes to the incoming electricity supply normally involve the relevant electricity network operator and/or supplier. We can assess the electrical installation within the premises and carry out associated electrical work, but changes to the network supply are subject to the relevant provider.
Do you install dedicated circuits for commercial equipment?
Yes. Dedicated circuits can be installed for suitable commercial equipment based on the equipment rating, installation conditions and available electrical capacity.
Can three-phase work be included in a commercial fit-out?
Yes. Distribution boards, submains, dedicated supplies, three-phase sockets and related electrical work can form part of a wider commercial refurbishment or fit-out project.
Do you test and certify new three-phase electrical work?
Yes. New and altered electrical installation work is inspected, tested and certified as appropriate to the work carried out.
Planning a three-phase electrical project?
Send us photos of the existing electrical intake and distribution equipment together with details of the proposed machinery, equipment or additional load. We can review the electrical scope and arrange a site visit where required.
Discuss your three-phase project